Ocean City, Maryland’s Top Ten Places to Visit

 From the shores of Assateague Island to Jolly Roger Splash Mountain, Ocean City has a collection of attractions like no other! To help narrow the list of possibilities, these are Ocean City, Maryland’s top ten places to visit.  

10: Paradise Watersports 

With the largest reserved jet ski area in Ocean City, Paradise Watersports is a great destination for a thrilling experience on the water! You can rent a jet ski, go parasailing, or even climb aboard a safari boat for a tour of the wild ponies and animals of Assateague Island. You can also board their tiki boat for the ultimate party experience! Each boat is equipped with a Coast Guard Certified Captain and first mate to ensure a safe and exciting time. 

9: Dumsers Dairyland 

Since 1939, Dumsers Dairyland has been a part of Ocean City’s nostalgic beach-town atmosphere. Whether you’re searching for a quick treat or a place to relax in the hot summer weather, any of Dumsers Dairyland’s seven locations will be perfect for you! You can choose from many types of soft serve ice cream, hand scooped ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, sorbet’s, specials, and more! 

8: Baja Amusements 

Ever since its first race in 1981, Baja Amusements has delivered fun for all ages on their 8 high-speed go-kart tracks. Kids as young as 5 years old can have their turn behind the wheel on the Junior Speedway. Baja also features several rides including a carousel, the frog hopper, and the spin zone! If you’re looking for even more excitement, you can try your hand at mini golf, test your skills in the arcade, or grab a snack and relax between races. With a mix of adrenaline-pumping tracks and attractions, Baja Amusements is the best stop for a full day of fun!

7: Jolly Roger Splash Mountain 

Jolly Roger at 30th St. is a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals looking for family-friendly fun in Ocean City! One of the park’s four areas is Splash Mountain, home to 16 thrilling water slides that offer something for every age. Among them is the Aqualoop, a 360º semi-transparent looping slide that’s the only one of its kind on the East Coast! Park passes are available at the main entrance, but visitors should keep an eye out for discounted passes offered at participating OCMD hotels.

6: Harrison’s Harbor Watch 

Whether you’re planning a relaxing date night or looking for the perfect lunch spot, Harrison’s Harbor Watch is a must-visit. With its unmatched views of the inlet, the setting is as memorable as the meal. The restaurant is also well-suited for groups, offering spacious booths and large tables for comfortable dining. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes made with high-quality ingredients, making it a go-to destination for anyone craving a taste of the coast.

5: Trimper Rides 

If you’re looking to add a little thrill to your Ocean City visit, Trimper Rides on the boardwalk is a great place to start. Just steps away from Harrison’s Harbor Watch, you can end your visit with a meal by the inlet. Trimpers offers 22 rides that range from classic carousels to high-energy roller coasters, making it a staple of the Ocean City experience.

4: Northside Park 

Northside Park is a scenic 58-acre bayfront recreational space offering year-round fun for everybody! Visitors in the summer can enjoy Sundaes in the Park for free bayside concerts and beautiful sunset views. After the sun sets, fireworks are set off over the bay as a magical end to an unforgettable night.

3: The Wave Riding School

If you’re looking to catch some waves during your visit in Ocean City, there’s not better place to go than K-Coast Surf Shop! Partnered with the Wave Riding School, the shop offers 1.5 hour long surf lessons at only $99. The school’s team of instructors are among the best, ensuring a safe and productive experience for surfers of any level. Call or text 443-203-WAVE (9283) for details and book online today!

2: Breakfast at Coastal Salt

Coastal Salt opened its doors in the Spring of 2020 with visions of providing excellent culinary experiences through honest, inventive, and locally sourced cuisine. Located right on the boardwalk, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the early morning sun with a fresh ocean breeze! Coastal Salt has a wonderful breakfast menu complete with different types of omelets and morning delicacies.

1: Assateague Island

Assateague Island is an unforgettable destination, best known for its wildlife that roam freely across the beaches and marshes. The island’s coastline offers a place for swimming and sunbathing without the crowds. Hiking and biking trails wind through the area, offering beautiful views and encounters with herds of wild ponies. Whether you’re drawn by wildlife, adventure, or relaxation, Assateague is a destination for every type of traveler!

Your Guide to Fourth of July Weekend in Ocean City, Maryland

Nothing can compare to the sight of fireworks over the nighttime waves of Ocean City, Maryland. The classic beach-town charm builds a magical atmosphere for the perfect Fourth of July celebration. From the iconic downtown fireworks to hidden gems such as the Chesapeake Ghost Walk, Ocean City has just about everything to offer! 

The firework show in downtown Ocean City is one of two simultaneous firework displays on the Fourth of July. The celebration will begin at 8:00 p.m. on the beach when DJ Kutt takes the Caroline Street Stage. The official show is expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. over the ocean, so don’t forget to bring a blanket and beach chair!

At Northside Park, 125th Street and the bay, a separate firework show will take place at the same time as the downtown celebration. Radio Ocean City will kick off the northern event at with DJ entertainment from 8:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. “Northside Park is the perfect place for families to watch the colorful displays light up the evening sky and lagoon,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We encourage spectators to get there early to claim their spot to watch the fireworks.”

It is important to keep in mind that parking will be very limited throughout the day. The Inlet Lot will have a rate of $6 per hour, but it is suggested to take a bus. The bus will run from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and provide ride all-day passes for $4. Anybody on the road should expect delays due to heavy traffic.

Other Weekend Events in Ocean City

Ocean City is always buzzing with exciting places to go and unforgettable experiences, but July 5th and 6th have a variety of special events you won’t want to miss. 

Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market

On July 5th, Ocean Pines is proud to open the Farmers and Artisans Market, where you can find one-of-a-kind goods and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of White Horse Park! It’s the perfect place to find fresh produce and locally handcrafted items while supporting one of Ocean City’s communities. If you’re looking for a getaway from the weekend crowds, the Farmers and Artisans Market should be on your list of places to go. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday. 

Chesapeake Ghost Tours

Locally owned since 2014, Chesapeake Ghost Tours presents one of nine locations right here in historic Ocean City! From 8:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Saturday night, guests will be taken on a journey through the very streets on which haunting stories take place. The tour will uncover stories of eerie local legends and unexplained occurrences throughout the town’s history. Can you brave the secrets of Ocean City’s paranormal? 

Camel and Ostrich Races

For an event you won’t forget, visit Ocean Downs Casino to watch camels and ostriches live on the race track! The event is well-organized and focuses on the safety of both the animals and attendees. Seating is available, but standing areas provide great views of the action as well. It’s recommended to arrive early, as parking and seating can fill quickly! Watch the races on Saturday between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Sundaes in the Park

On Sunday evening from 7:00 to 9:00, Northside Park is the ultimate destination for kids and adults alike! Free live music spanning across many genres is only one of the park’s excellent entertainment options. Kids can play while you indulge in ice cream or a featured beverage under a stunning sunset view. Whether you’re ending your weekend or just getting started, Sundaes in the Park is a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening.

Marlin Moon Featured Cocktails

Marlin Moon’s special July cocktail menu features refreshing, summer-inspired drinks crafted to celebrate the season. The featured highlight is a vibrant blend of Tito’s Vodka, blue curaçao, cherry juice, and sparkling lemonade. Keep an eye out for additional limited-time cocktails that showcase bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and the spirit of summer in every sip.

2025 OCMD Hotels Photo Contest Is Back!

The Shoot Your Stay Photo Contest is Back – and Bigger Than Ever!

Get ready to dive into another summer of unforgettable memories — the Shoot Your Stay Photo Contest returns for its third year! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just love snapping photos on your phone, this is your chance to showcase your Ocean City adventure in a whole new way.

This summer, we’re inviting you to capture the magic of Ocean City — from golden sunrises and breezy beach walks to poolside cocktails and evening boardwalk strolls. Whether you’re surfing at sunrise, building sandcastles with the kids, or soaking in the view with your favorite people, every moment is a memory worth sharing and give you a chance to win big!

How To Join The Fun:

Submission Dates: Friday, May 16 – Sunday, October 5
Participating Hotels:
Hilton Oceanfront Suites, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, DoubleTree Oceanfront, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Oceanfront, Quality Inn Oceanfront, Quality Inn Boardwalk, Dunes Suites, Dunes Court, Plim Plaza, Harrison Hall, Flagship, Seabonay, and Oceanic Motel.

 How to Submit Your Photos:

  • Tag @OCMDHotels or a participating hotel on social media
  • Send a direct message with your photo
  • Or upload your entry directly at OCMDHotels.com/photocontest

Contest Details:

  • Grand Prize Winner: Chosen by public vote on OCMDHotels.com/photocontest
  • Finalists: One winner will be selected from each participating property and announced in early October.

What You Could Win:

  • Grand Prize: A 3-night stay at an OCMDHotels.com property in 2025, a $250 gift card to OCMDRestaurants.com, and an exclusive OCMDHotels.com swag bag
  • Finalists: A 1-night stay at the hotel you entered with and a swag bag

Terms and conditions apply. Prizes are not redeemable for cash, are subject to availability, and may not be used during holiday weeks. Submitting photos gives consent for photos to be used for marketing purposes in print, social media and other forms of advertising.

Go ahead, capture the magic, soak in the sun, and share your favorite moments. Your perfect Ocean City photo could win you the ultimate beachside escape in 2025.

Submit your best shots today at OCMDHotels.com/photocontest — we can’t wait to see Ocean City through your lens!

Honoring Our Heroes: Special Military Discount at Our Ocean City, Maryland Hotels

At our Ocean City, Maryland hotels, we are proud to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who serve our country. As a small token of our gratitude, we’re pleased to offer an exclusive military discount to all active duty service members.

We understand the sacrifices you make every day, and we want to provide you with a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy all that Ocean City has to offer—at a great value. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic weekend, or just a few days of well-deserved rest, we’re here to make your stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible.

Dunes Suites

Dunes Suites offers another inviting family-friendly oceanfront hotel experience, with private balconies and sweeping views of the ocean and expansive Atlantic coastline.

Dunes Court

The Dunes Court offers a charming, affordable destination for families and friends to stay during their beach vacation. Our 3-story building embraces a 1960s coastal vibe, but with all the updated comforts and modern conveniences!

Plim Plaza

Sit back, relax, and take in the salt air breeze from the comfort of a spacious front porch and oversized rocking chairs along the famous Ocean City Boardwalk, a perfect spot for indulging in the summer atmosphere and oceanfront scenery.

Harrison Hall

Located directly on the beach and boardwalk near endless family-fun attractions, amusements, and iconic local foods, enjoy old fashioned charm by the sea!

Flagship

An inviting and comfortable atmosphere offering accommodations for the whole family, with a playground courtyard for children, picnic areas, shuffleboard, as well as an oceanfront outdoor pool and poolside bar & grill.

Seabonay

Stroll down to the serene guarded beach just steps from your room, or kick back under the sun after a splash in the pool.

Oceanic

The most geographically unique hotel in Ocean City, Maryland welcomes you with scenic views of the ocean, bay, and Assateague all at once!


Redeeming your military discount is simple:
Just click the booking link below to take advantage of this special offer.

From all of us, thank you for your service. We look forward to welcoming you to our Ocean City hotels and making your stay one to remember.

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